First portable netMD recorder launched by Sony. It was launched alongside the CMT-C7NT, LAM-Z1, and MDS-NT1 as the first generation of netMD devices. NetMD allows PC to MD download of audio files. Originally Open MG Jukebox (and later SonicStage) was required to use netMD, but these days most devices are supported by PlatinumMD and web MD.

Shipped with the RM–MC12ELK remote in Japan. It supports full-width and half-width disc/track titles, meaning Kanji and Katakana names work fine. International models seemingly shipped with the RM-MC11EL, which does not support full-width titles(and therefore means no support for full-width kanji/kana).

A few things to keep in mind for modern buyers:

• A dock is required in order to use netMD. This can be expensive to buy separately.
• Numerous reports of issues with the write head's ribbon cable. Not really repairable except for those with advanced soldering skills.
• N1's seem to have an issue related to their EEPROM chips (it has 2), overtime they lose calibration data and this can cause the screen to dim and “NV Error” message to be displayed. In this state the unit will not operate at all. While following the service manual calibration procedures can return the recorder to a good functional read/write state, Net MD functionality can continue to be affected. As firmware reverse engineering efforts go forward it may* be possible to reprogram the EEPROM's with good data and restore Net MD functionality. If you have an MZ-N1 that works without issue and works with Web Minidisc and you'd like to help the community, please join the discord's #development channel and mention it.

With these issues in mind, a later generation recorder such as the MZ-N910 would be a safer buy.

Maximum output (DC): Headphones: 5 mW + 5 mW (16 ohm)
Outputs LINE OUT: stereo mini-jack (dedicated remote control jack) /194 mV (10 kohm )

Mechanism Type: MT-MZN1-171
Optical Pick-up Name: LCX-5R
Chipset: CXD2677-202GA or -205GA

Content adapted from: Official Sony Press Announcement, MZ-N1 minidisc.org, Brian Youn's MZ-N1 Review, Sony Press Release Announcing Net MD

MZ-N1 User Manual

MZ-N1 v1.0 Service Manual

MZ-N1 v1.4 Service Manual

The image below is an example of a broken write head. Users on the now defunct Sony Insider Forums posted that patching the broken cable was able to fix their device.

Find an old pair of headphones that you don't mind destroying. When you strip one of the cords you'll notice wires that are wrapped around some string. Separate two strands of wire that are different in color from each other. The wires should be thinner than human hair:

Cut a longer length than the original flex cable you are replacing. Pre-tin the wire tips. Carefully remove the write head arm from the MZ-N1. Do not apply too much force on it or it will bend. Cut off the damaged flex cable. Solder the two wires to the two contact points under the write head and thread the wires through the two holes as shown:

Make a path similar to the original flex cable, giving enough length so the write head can move side to side without tugging the wires:

Tape down the wires so they stay tucked as close to the MZ-N1 assembly as possible to avoid damage when putting the case back on. Make sure the wires are taped down to the assembly running underneath the write head arm:

Next, solder the wire ends to the main pcb. Be careful not to put them in the wrong order. Look at the original flex cable for reference. This is probably the hardest part of the repair. Take your time and tuck the remaining wire in some tape so that it doesn't tangle on the laser motor.

Have fun recording on your repaired Sony MZ-N1!

Credit goes to pureangst for the original tutorial on the Sony Insider Forum.